Implementing a statewide training initiative to address the psychosocial consequences of All Hazards disasters and other public health emergencies: A successful community partnership between public health, mental health and academia

Donna L. Richter, EdD¹, C. Edgar Spencer, MSW, MEd², M. Reg Hutchinson, MSW³, Lisa Baker Reece, MSW, LCSW⁴, Jane V.E. Richter, DrPH, RN⁴, Joseph L. Pearson, MS⁴, and Melanie Livet⁴. (1) Office of the Dean, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, (2) Director, Division of Special Projects - Office of the Medical Director, South Carolina Department of Mental Health, 2414 Bull Street/P.O. Box 485, Columbia, SC 29202, (3) State Director, Office of Public Health Social Work, South Carolina Dept of Health and Environmental Control, Robert Mills Complex, 1751 Calhoun Street, Columbia, SC 29201, (4) Center for Public Health Preparedness, University of South Carolina, 1233 Washington Street, Suite 700, Columbia, SC 29201, 803-978-7573, jlpears@gwm.sc.edu

In the present age of public health preparedness, it is essential to recognize the promotion of psychological well-being as a vital component of comprehensive disaster preparedness efforts. In support of such efforts, the public health and mental health communities of South Carolina have joined with academia to develop and implement the Community Disaster Response Services Training Initiative. This initiative has the distinct goal of supporting the health and behavioral health professionals of South Carolina in their response to the myriad of psychosocial consequences of All Hazards disasters and other public health emergencies. Training materials for this initiative were developed through interagency collaboration and were based on a statewide assessment of disaster mental health professionals. Course topics offered in this initiative address crisis counseling, incident command, cultural diversity, stress management and post-traumatic stress disorder. Training participants represent both the public and private sectors and have included individuals from health, behavioral health, substance abuse, education, and pastoral care professions. Initial evaluation data reflect positive feedback from participants regarding the saliency of training courses, as well as the applicability to practice settings. The evaluation component of this initiative also illustrates best practice in the unique area of disaster response services and highlights the fundamental tenants of community collaboration in the area of disaster preparedness.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.